11 Little Ways Reading Makes Your Life Better Every Day

Bookworms have more fun. Whether cheering for our favorite heroine to save the day or crying over a beloved character's untimely death, readers are living multiple lives through books.

I wasn't always a reader. In fact, it wasn't until I was 13 years old that I realized I loved books. Before that, I was reluctant to read beyond the classic literature I was assigned in class. But when I picked up In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, my experience with stories completely changed. I couldn't get enough of the magical worlds I was reading, and fantasy became a saving grace in my life. Through books, I could live a different reality every time I cracked open a new paperback. I felt myself opening up. I sought out other readers to discuss our favorite character's life choices. I thought about how I would act in certain situations. One day, I felt brave enough to write my own stories. Books made my life better. Period.

Now, everyone has different experiences when it comes to books. The right books comes into your life at the right moment. I truly believe that. Among book people, we can't argue that reading makes like better. Here are a few reasons why.

4Books introduce you to new worlds.

Not everyone has the means can pack up and travel around the world. But books are portals to new places, outer space, and fantastical realms — and you can experience it all from your neighborhood park or coffee shop.

5Books ask you to think about big issues in a new way.

Books provide both mirrors and windows — they can reflect your experience or allow you to step into the shoes of an entirely different experience than your own. That's important, especially in our current political climate where understanding of differences is key.

6Books can provide "me time."

When the outside world feels especially challenging, books are always there for you.

7Books can help you discover new talent.

There is something unbelievably special about discovering a debut author or beginning an incredible new book series.

8Books can introduce you to your new fave TV show or movie.

Let's be real: almost everything good on TV these days was based on a book.

9Books can help you meet new friends.

Who else is going to understand why your room has more books than a library? And who else is going to sympathize over your ever-growing TBR pile? Who is going to be your cosplay squad?

10Books ask you to think more critically about the world around you.

Reading makes you think about characters, their choices, the world at large, your own world, your own decisions. Use that brain power!

11Books can help you understand yourself better.

Reading is an essential tool for self-reflection. So read more books that ask you to think critically and be a better human.